oxygenation1

ventilation

is the movement of air in and out of the lungs. Think of it as breathing—getting oxygen in and carbon dioxide out.

gas exchange

happens in the alveoli (tiny air sacs in the lungs). Oxygen passes into the blood, and carbon dioxide leaves the blood to be exhaled.

focused assesment

• Ask about smoking, allergies, recent infections, occupational exposures, and history of asthma/COPD.

• Identify risks like chronic illness, immobility, or recent surgery that may affect breathing.

increased effort/dyspnea

Look for signs like nasal flaring, use of accessory muscles, fast breathing, and patient complaints of “shortness of breath.”

cough and sputum assessment

Ask about the presence of cough (dry or productive), sputum color, thickness, and smell (can help detect infection).

impaired oxygenation

• Symptoms include shortness of breath, restlessness, confusion (especially in elderly), cyanosis (bluish lips or fingertips), and abnormal lung sounds (wheezing, crackles).

• Vital signs may show increased respiratory rate, low oxygen saturation, or increased heart rate.

sputum specimen

• Collected to identify infection (bacteria, virus, fungus) in the lungs.

• Best collected in the morning before eating or brushing teeth.

• Nurse ensures it’s a deep cough sample, not just saliva.

tobacco addiction and cessation

• Smoking damages airways and reduces lung function.

• Nurses educate patients on quitting, offer support/resources, and possibly administer nicotine replacement therapies.

influenza

Viral; symptoms include fever, body aches, cough.

pneumonia

`Can be viral or bacterial; inflammation of alveoli with symptoms like fever, productive cough, chest pain.

cough and deep breathing exercises

• Help clear mucus and expand lungs.

• Prevents pneumonia, especially after surgery or during immobility.

• Nurse teaches patient to take deep breaths and cough purposefully.

chest physiotherapy

• Includes techniques like percussion and postural drainage to loosen and move mucus.

• Useful for patients with thick secretions (e.g., cystic fibrosis, pneumonia).

basic oxygen therapies

• Includes nasal cannula, simple face mask, and non-rebreather mask.

• Nurse’s role: assess oxygen saturation, apply oxygen safely, monitor for skin breakdown, and titrate oxygen as ordered.

ineffective airway clearance

• Patient has trouble clearing secretions.

• Nursing interventions: suctioning, hydration, CDB exercises.

impaired gas exchange

• Oxygen is not adequately reaching the blood, or CO₂ is not being removed.

• Nursing interventions: monitor oxygen levels, administer oxygen, repositioning.

ineffective breathing pattern

• Breathing rate, rhythm, or depth is not effective.

• Nursing interventions: monitor breathing, teach relaxation, encourage slow, deep breathing.

oseltamivir

(Tamiflu):

• Antiviral used to shorten flu symptoms.

• Works best if taken early (within 48 hours of symptoms starting).

Dextromethorphan

Antitussives –

• Suppress cough.

Codeine

• opioid-based that can also surpress cough (can cause drowsiness);

Guaifenesin

Expectorants

• Helps thin and loosen mucus so it’s easier to cough up.

• Encourage fluid intake to aid effectiveness.